Gallego Celebrates $8.5 billion in CHIPS Act Funding for Intel, Thousands of New Arizona Jobs
WASHINGTON – Today, Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-03) celebrated the announcement that Intel Corporation will receive $8.5 billion in direct funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, in addition to $11 billion in loans. Today’s award is expected to create 6,000 construction and 3,000 manufacturing jobs in Arizona.
“Today’s announcement – the biggest yet from the CHIPS and Science Act – cements Arizona’s status as a leader in microchip manufacturing and cutting-edge technology,” said Rep. Gallego. “Arizona has become an economic engine for the entire country, and I am proud to have helped secure this historic funding to bring thousands more good-paying jobs to Arizona.”
Last May, Rep. Gallego and bipartisan members of the Arizona Congressional delegation sent a letter to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo bringing her attention to Intel’s application for funding and highlighting the positive impact it would have on Arizona.
The CHIPS and Science Act, which Rep. Gallego helped pass, provides $52.7 billion for semiconductor research, development, manufacturing, and workforce development – fueling Arizona’s technology and manufacturing growth. According to the Arizona Commerce Authority, since January 2020, Arizona has attracted more than 35 announced semiconductor industry expansions representing over 13,000 jobs and over $65 billion in investment, making Arizona number 1 in the nation for new semiconductor jobs, investment, and supplier expansions.
To maximize the opportunity to bring microchip manufacturing to Arizona, Rep. Gallego backs the bipartisan, bicameral Building Chips in America Act. The legislation would ensure federal environmental reviews are completed in a timely manner for these microchip projects by streamlining approval for projects currently under construction and others that could be delayed, and by providing the Secretary of Commerce greater tools to more effectively and efficiently carry out reviews.